LAB Biofine ecosystem workshop brought the network together – focus on goals, expertise, and collaboration

Ambitious goals challenged by tight schedule

The goals of the LAB Biofine ecosystem are clear: 20 growth companies, €300 million in turnover, and 300 new jobs in South Karelia. According to LAB Biofine Project Manager Teemu Piesanen, the workshop highlighted the challenge of achieving these targets within the set timeframe. The network agreed that success requires retaining skilled professionals, ensuring continuity, and strong visibility.

"To attract companies, we are expected to take concrete actions. We need to provide the right expertise, a smooth establishment process, and effective collaboration channels."

Expertise and services make the difference

Discussions emphasized the need for clear product and service packages and a customer journey that facilitates cooperation between universities and companies. In particular, companies expressed a need for more information about LAB University of Applied Sciences’ offerings and development opportunities.

Piesanen summarized that the workshop comments pointed to LAB Biofine’s competence needs for the next 5–10 years, especially in commercialization, design expertise, financial services, and cross-sector specialists who can connect different industries.

"Additionally, the potential of novel food products and the use of artificial intelligence were highlighted," Piesanen noted from company representatives’ input.

Collaboration and international dimension seen as crucial

Expanding the ecosystem nationally and internationally requires active marketing communication and continuity. Liisa Peri, Project Manager responsible for the internationalization of the LAB Biofine Pilot Plant, welcomed the encouragement to increase the visibility of network activities:

"The workshop confirmed that the ecosystem’s success is built on collaboration and expertise. We must ensure that companies can easily find the right services and partners, and that professionals are offered an attractive environment to stay in the region."

The network emphasized that LAB Biofine should offer services globally and strengthen cooperation with other universities. EU projects were seen as an effective way to increase LAB Biofine’s visibility and credibility.

Concrete actions for development needs

Project Manager Piesanen explained that the workshop discussions have been analyzed to guide LAB Biofine’s development so the ecosystem can provide stronger support for companies and create conditions for bioeconomy growth.

"The network identified several development needs during the workshop. The ecosystem requires an integration model that brings universities and companies into closer cooperation."

"Clear services and contact points must be created for companies to ensure smooth and fast collaboration," Peri added.

The network also saw the importance of including legal expertise, IPR, and NDA processes in the ecosystem’s service offering.

"It is essential for universities to develop their own technology and differentiate themselves from others. This will attract new companies to join the collaboration," emphasized Senior Researcher Pasi Virtanen from UPM-Kymmene, who participated in the workshop.

Future talent was also a key topic. Education should include technical sales and marketing, with a strong focus on moving from research to commercialization. This will give students the skills to understand both substance and business.

In addition, the ecosystem is expected to provide support services for startups at all growth stages, from piloting to commercialization.

"Thank you to all workshop participants. The discussions brought up important insights that will help us steer LAB Biofine’s development in the right direction. We are building the ecosystem for the network members, so the needs come from them," Piesanen concluded.

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